Turning Archive 2006

Subject:

A small challenge: Sharp, or not

Keith Tompkins>I've been following the thread on sharpening....why not do a tiny experiment for yourself, then report on your findings. First, select a bowl blank, sharpen your bowl gouge, and make a few practice cuts. Observe the quality of the cuts your tool produced. Then sharpen with a finer wheel. Try a new cut, and observe as before. If you have a high-speed grinder, now try that, and again, observe the results. Last, hone the cutting edge, keeping the bevel flat on the abrasive surface without rocking. Cut and observe. Photos may be useful...then, post your results.

I know, I know...."Big Turner X" says the sawtooth edge is good enough...try for yourself, and let us know....post your results!